Work inspecting mechanism



E. M. BOWEN Dem :uvam-row arl BO f, Mw., f

June 28, 1960 June 28, 1960 Filed March 13, 1952 E. M. BOWEN WORK INSPECTING MECHANISM 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 -r-romrny/ June 28, 1960 WORK Filed March 13, 1952 E. M. BOWEN INSPECTING MECHANISM '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 /41 J ez 1 ez 2 mi sz 49 s s' if ls? c) June Z8, 1960 1 E. M. BOWEN 2,942,729

woRx INSPECTING MECHANISM Filed March 13, 1952 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 28, 1960 E. M. BOWEN 2,942,729

WORK INSPECTINQMECHANISM Filed March 13, 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 28, 1960 E. M. BOWEN 2,942,729

WORK INSPECTING MECHANISM Filed March 13, 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 x '30) u a ,fle

TTC RNE-yf June 28, 1960 E. M. BOWEN 2,942,729 WORK INSPECTINGjuECHANIsM v Filed March 13, 1952 '7 Sheets-Sheet NVBIQTOL-J CAT-ronnlsYf Y nited States Patent WORK INSPECTING MECHANISM Earl M. Bowen, Rockford, Ill., assignor to'The Ingersoll Milling Machine Company, Rockford, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed Mar. 13, 1952, Ser. No. 276,406

14 Claims. (Cl. 209-88) This invention relates to the inspection of workpieces in connection with the machining thereof particularly in machine tools of the type in which a material removing operation is performed on the interior of a workpiece by a motion at an angle to the direction of insertion of the tool into the workpiece.

One object is to provide a machine tool of the above character having a novel mechanism operable prior to the machining operation to inspect the workpiece and detect defects which would interfere with the movement of the tool and its support during entry into the work or during the subsequent movement of the support to etfect machining of the work by the tool.

. A more detailed object is to inspect a workpiece in the above manner through the use of a feeler correlated in shape with the space occupied by the tool and its support and with the movement of the latter after entry of the tool to an operating position with the workpiece.

A further object is to interrupt the insertion of the inspection feeler into the workpieces as soon as a defect or interference between the feeler and the work surface has been detected.

Another object is to utilize the contacting parts of the workpiece and feeler as an electric switch to signal the detection of a defect in the workpiece being inspected.

Still another object is to detect the presence of nonconductive as well as conductive interferences on the wall of the work recess.

The invention also resides in the novel manner of mounting the inspecting feeler, of ejecting defective workpieces, and of recording the location of the defect on the workpiece.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the improved inspecting mechanism and an associated machine tool.

Fig. 2 is a :longitudinal sectional view of the workpiece showing the tools for boring holes therein.

Figs. 3 and 4 are fragmentary vertical sections taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 showing different positions of the parts.

Figs. 5 and 6 are fragmentary sections taken respectively on the lines 5-5 and 6 6 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a section taken on the line'7-7 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view and circuit diagram.

While the invention is applicable to a wide variety of machinetools and types of workpieces, it is shown in the drawings by way of illustration associated with a machine for boxing the cam shaft holes 10 in the crosswebs 11 in the cylinder block casting 12 of an internal combustion engine. The particular boring machine and the mechanism for transferring the blocks are disclosed in Patent No. 2,160,476 to which reference may be had for furthtr details.

In a boring machine of the above character, the blocks ice 12 are supported open end up on stationary rails 13 along which the blocks are slid endwise into a machining station 14 where each block is transferred onto rails 15 on the top of a platen l16 mounted for vertical movement on a base 17 by `which the conveyor rails 13 are supported.

Transfer of the workpieces step by step along the conveyor and location, of each piece on the rails 15 with the required accuracy may be effected by a bar 18 mounted on the machine frame j19 for endwise reciprocation and also for turning in opposite directions to carry laterally projecting arms 20 on the bar into and out of overlapping relation (Figs. 3 and 7) with respect to the leading and trailing ends of each workpiece 12 in the row. Through a suitable handle 21 (Fig. 1) or if desired by a suitable powerractuator as shown in the above mentionedA patent, the bar l18 mayfwhen the arms 20 are in the arms out of engagement with the endsof the workpiece as shown in Figs. 4 and'7,V it may be retracted endwise preparatory to picking up the next workpieces by the respective sets of arms. The extent of the shuttle motions of the bar 18 are determined by suitable stops one of which is indicated at 18a (Fig. l) and positioned to efect accurate endwise location of each workpiece moved into the station 14.

At the end of the transfer motion, the workpiece in the station 14 is disposed between side rails 22 and located endwise with the recesses 23 between the adjacent crosswebs 11 in vertical alinement with depending projections 24 carrying cutters 25 for boring the holes 10 in the rehorizontal bridge 35 on top of the machine frame, the

slide being fed back and forth by a hydraulic actuator 2S (Fig. l). The cutters 25 project horizontally from the lower ends of the supports 24 along which spur gear drive trains 29 are extended from a spline drive shaft 30 driven from a motor 31.

A The platen 16 is on the upper end of the rod of a piston 32 movable in a vertical cylinder 33 to raise the workpiece on the platen into clamping engagement with downwardly facing abutments 34 on the bridge 35 of the machine frame. As the crankcase flange 36 (Fig. 7) of the workpiece approaches the abutments in the upward movement of the platen, downwardly projecting dowel pins 37 enter holes 38 in the iiange and effect accurate lateral positioning of the workpiece by the time the latter cornes into clamping engagement against the abutments as shown in Fig. 7. At this time, the cutters 25 will be alined properly as shown in Fig. 2 with theholes 10 which are bored by'energizing the actuator 28 to feed the slide 26 and the cutter supports a distance a (Fig. 2) thus projecting the cutters through the holes 10 and the crosswebs 11. After retraction of the slide 26, the platen 16 is lowered to the level of the conveyor rails 13 thereby permitting transfer of the machined workpiece to the right'and out of the station I114 while the next piece is, in the same motion of the transfer bar 18, brought into the station. v

In order to support the cutter 25 with the proper rigidity during the boring operation, it is desirable to make the tool-supporting projections 24 of maximum width in a direction axially of the cutters. Thus, as shown in Fig. 2, the outer end of each cutter is disposed close to the web 11 to be bored during entry of the cutter into the work recess 23 and the opposite side of the projection 24 is similarly disposed close to the adjacent web. Therefore, to permit proper entry of earch tool and its support followed by feeding of tlie cutter through the proper distance a to effect Vthe boring, the workpiece recesses 23 must be relatively uniform in"si'ze and shape within comparatively close limits. l

YThe present inventionY aims to inspect the recesses 23 of each workpiece before the latter isrpresented to the .brlns'station 14V and indleatbfdseard ey'peees whose walls are imperfectb' Aformed to such 'anextent S, to iri-` tefere. with' the Proper entiyalld 'feeding .ef-the toolV in theboringoperation above descieibY f speeten'tdkes plaeeat a' stat' "Sdeef -elells the Vlille' of transfer oftheworlpceswavhead of'the'bbrig station 14 and" equipped withfe'elers 4.1`Whch`are-adapted' to enter thelvzelkpieee recessesV 23j and' eotiaet any' proieef tions or irregu Y boring l operation.'

Y In thejinsp'e'cting station which is of the same generalY construeren-*asse horns setas isis-ash workpiece Vis f slid lar the ,transfer be.: 18 'dletweell .Side tells 42, 4.31 Y(Fisl4). ed elite a platen 4.4. Oni the upper end ef e P'S' fen ,es sudeste in. @verser cylinder Kinshasa Vs1. To

Y raise'the workpiece and 'thus' enterk the feelver'vs 411 inv the recessesvZS therepf, uidpres'sure ironia suitable source (net shewnliis ,admitted tothe lower end of the cylinderv 4,6 upon eue'rgization offasglfe'noid 47lto shift ay valve 48 t Y out of Vthe"normal position shown in Fig.l 8. When ther ethlefeletleil' Sf enerszed.'the valve is opened. 't0 j leaseY .fluid 'from the eyliadets.. and. PermitY levering.. ef:

the plates. 4

f The workpiece. rests on'rollers 49 onl the top of the platen 44j and,Vv in tbefrest position of the' piece, flanges Sllfat oppositiesides"thereofk overlie therails@ and 43. The latter rail is supported by arms 51 upstandin'g fromY Y the platenwhile the Vrail .42 iscairied Yby arms'SZ fast onV4 arofckj shaigt53 journaledA on and along. one. side ofthe platenfor movement between anun-*trial` raisedl positionY (Fig. 4) and-'af'retracted position `(Fig. Y3) below the. level of thegplatenfrollers 49.*" Movement ofthe arms'SZ is effeeted. 'by e hidr'ailie. .actuator '54 y(Figsl 3, .4 and. 8.)

mounted on thplaten`44 with itsv pistonSS joined by a y V4:0Y

laritles tlldtfilelll'd 'lterjldtertere with 'the and its support 24 onra plane perpendicular to the cutter axis. l Y* Y v In the present instance, the several feeler blocks 41 project downwardly from and are separately bolted in the .proper spaced relation onto a rigid plate 65 (Figs. 3, 4 and 5) of insulation which in turn is suspended'from the Ybridge 64 of the inspectingmachine to allow some Vlateral yielding of the VfeelersYvi/hen an obstruction is en-V l'ewermest'et wheh. rests, 91.1. and ls'seeured to the bridge- Depending from the diametric'ally opposite sides of the next ringY 70 areY rounded-'lugsn (Fig. 3) seated in notches 73 inthe ring 69. Similarly formed onY the under side of the ring 71 but along a perpendiculardiameter are lugs-74 lfig. 5*)- Vseated)notches 75)..in the top ofthe [(l'.V A heald'76j. s ecr d. tothe upper en d of the rody 67 feste. ed. the .upp'ermestfrls 71 The supporting ieint thlls feilletl. P'etrlitev thefeeleearryinspldte65 te Swivel llrleeellrf T Y Y' Y Provision isima'de forV adjustingthe axis Vof theruniver saljointvlaterally thus .facilitating location of the feelers 41 improper relationv respect Vto thefrecesses 2 3 in the. leeted l.Ierltpieee en the .platen 44- VVTe'this end, the rines 59,70. 'ans-.71 .are `sur.rommel by a cenar 71 up. Stdltlisftem. the brdgeftid and eatryinaradially disllflsetl1 @Fell/S78 '(,Fislll enea'geahle slng'lene diameter on opposite usigles ofthe uppermost ring Y71. Similar Selellls 7.9.- (Fia' 5)` threddillsfthrellshthe, eellar 77 aldus a perpelldielllfa'r diameter. beeraseillst Yemiesite sides of the. 7*() to, p errnit transaxial adjustment of the'feelerthefsid'efra/ilsV and 43 and by the stop. limiting thev i endurr'ise'movement ofthe transfer bar-718i VYIt isdesirable, howevergto dowel th'elpiecela'terally and longitudinally into a deniteposition as itf approaches downwardly 'faced ing locatingabutments 62 inthe tinal upward movement of the platen.` This isv accomplished. by'tape'rel4 pins 63. (Figs. 3k and 4) projectingdownwardly from the abutfV ments and ladapte-d' to enter theholes 38Min the. lcrank-V. case ange 36 of .the workpiecethe same asY at theboring station previously described. 'I'he'abutment's62comprise atlthe top'ofI the'inspectingvmaohine frame. Each of the feelers'41 vcornp'risesga block of met/a1;V ofA the same external contour asfthe toolihead including the corresponding cutter 25fand litsfsupp'ort 24 ini-fully entering the workpiece andialsof AtheY additional space s ubse# quently' traversed vbythetoo'l support in moving 'horizon-4 t'lly't'o' the position shown in phn'tomin .Figf2 .to'gfeel the cutter through the web 11l tobore the holel' asdecribed above. Thus; the VYfeleler block is of Va thickness.

only s lightlyflessthan thethiCKness ofthe cutterfsupport l l sstsssdsllyfdgs asideustedes;defensais.

' horizontal bars secured to therunderside'of aA bridge'64V support in the seconddirection. The extent of the universal rocking of tl/1ey feeler. support may be limited by screws'. -8.0!.Y(lig.` 5). threading. downwardly through Ythe bridge'64to points close tothe bar 66, Y

a fprovidel for accurate. detection of an internal workf. piece defect under most conditions encountered in service Ilsev` and an.. indication as;y to the location of. the defect, provisionvmade for closing a. predetermined electric circuitthrough` each, freeler and` the.y workpiece in response toV engagement. or mechanical contactbetween any part of the-[Wall of4 tlvlenvork,V recessv 23. and Vany point on the Isurface of'the feele'r 41 during its entry into the work, Eer this. Pamesa. thepleten. 44 supporting the Werkpieee is. eedlleet'ed. 'ait .8.1. (Eis. 8.)y te.v the. ereunded terminal et a] power source 82, and. the., respective feelerst 41 are connected through conductors 83 to tbe windings 8.4, 8 5 and 8601il latchtype'solenoids. joined to the, other power terminal S7 eddlievlns armatures normally biased te` iuactiye. position but heldin arctiveposition'byv latchesv 88.A Herein, each solenoid controls a normally closed switch.I

lishtis ef any enelef.. thelellils during .insertiedeffthe .feeless lL-aside elated. 441.'.is raised isslleetes interference betweenv tbejfeelerfand; the casting;beingl inspected4 Vas Well?.4 the particular worlc recess in-which thefinterference. exists; The:.signalV is. retainedzuntilrthe. reset coil: 89f oftfrenv latchd solenoid is laterfcnergrized .as willgbe. def,

scribedslater; a .'.j

'ln 'thefcaselofvworkpieces made-by sandcastings, prarticl'essof` sandsmetimes retainedon'the'walls oftheworlc recess ZlrriayY constituteinterferences which wouldI prccludeproper entryl and" operatio'nof the tools 25jand el.tlle..eellle time., stevent.. seed.l eleetrie. eelltaet. between die ieeler and the workpiece so as to indicate the defec in the manner described above. A defect of this Vcharacter would interfere with the proper entry of one of the feelers 41 and cause the latter and the supporting plate 65 to tilt as permitted by the universal mounting of this plate. Such tilting of theplate 65 is utilized to give a separate indication of this dierent type of work defect through a sensing device which herein takes the form ofY switches 95 (Figs. 5 and `8) Ymounted on the bridge 64.

and each arranged to be closed by upward movement of a plunger 96 slidable vertically in the bridge and adapted to bear at its lower end aga-inst the top of the bar 66. The plungers are urged downwardly by springs 97 and at their upper ends are connected to the actuating pins of the switches through levers 98.

The switches 95 are arranged in parallel in a circuit 99 for energizing the coil of a latch type solenoid 100 for actuating a normally closed switch 100e and normally open switches 100b and 100 Closure of the switch 100: completes the circuit of an electric signal lamp 93c1 to indicate a defect in the casting. It will be apparent that lighting of the lamp 93d alone while theother lamps remain deenergized is an indication that the defect in the casting being inspected is due to a non-conductive type of interference such as sand on the wall of one of the work recesses. As in the case of the other latch solenoids, the solenoid 100 is reset and the signal terminated by energization of a coil 101.

Through the suspension mounting above described, it will be apparent that each feeler 41 is adapted for universal swiveling about a fulcrum disposed above the supported workpiece, the feeler thus being free to move laterally in any direction from a normal centered position in response to engagement of any point on the side of the feeler with undersize projection on the wall of the work recess. The feeler is urged into this centered position under its own weight.

At the same time, the feeler may be raised vertically as by the lower end encountering an obstruction in the bottom of the work recess. Such vertical movement is permitted by virtue of the separable character of the abutting surfaces 72, 73 and 74, 75 which provide the fulcrum of the universal mounting for the feeler. In response to such vertical shifting of the feeler because of its failure to reach a predetermined depth in Vthe work recess, one or both of the switches 95 will be closed thus signalling the presence of an obstruction, the same as in the case of undersize deviations in the size of the recess wall at the sides of the work cavity.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the entry of the feelers into the work is interrupted and preferably the feelers are withdrawn from the work automatically as soon as any type of interference is detected. To this end, the solenoid 49a which opens the valve 48 to permit lowering of the platen 44 is arranged to be energized in response to closure of any one of the feeler circuits above described. As above described, this results in closure of one of the solenoid switches 84h, 85h, 86", or lb which are connected in parallel between the power terminal and the solenoid winding 49a. Thus, whenever any one of the feelers contacts any part of the work as the feelers are entering the work recess, the supply of pressure iluid to the platen cylinder 46 is interrupted by opening the valve 48, and the platen 44 is lowered immediately thus retracting the workpiece away from the feelers 41. By thus interrupting the entry of the feelers, danger of damaging the feelers and their mounting is avoided. The universal mounting above described allows suicient lateral deflection of the feelers to prevent damage pending reversal of the platen motion following initial contact between one of the feelers and the wall of the work recess.

fln the present instance, a power actuated ejector is pro- Avided for removing each defective workpiece from the inspecting station in a direction transversely of the normal path of movement of the workpieces to the boring machine. Such ejection is ciected after lowering of the platen 44 by shifting a bar 103 broadwise across the top of the platen from the retracted position shown in Figs. 3 and 6. In this movement, the bar is guided along the top of rails 104 mounted on the platen between the rollers 49 and spaced projections 105 (Fig. 3) upstanding from the barcome .against the ends 106 of cylinder holes in the workpieces and push the latter ot from the rollers 49 andv beyond 'the laterally projecting ends of the rails 104 to the position Shown in phantom in Fig. 3. In this out of the .way position, the ejected block is supported on. rails 107 from which it may be removed manually.

The ejector bar 103 is advanced and retracted in the present instance by a hydraulic actuator comprising a cylinder 1,08 supported at one end of a part 109 of the inspecting machine frame' and having a piston therein on a rod 110 fastened to the ejector bar 103. The admission of pressure uid to the head and rod end's of the cylinder 108 to advance and retract the ejector bar 103 may be controlled by the valve 58 (Fig. 8) above referred to. Movement of the ejector is initiated simultaneously with the retraction of the guide rail 42 so that the latter is retracted out of interfering relation with respect to the workpiece being ejected.

Means is provided for marking on each ejected workpiece the part thereof which was found to be defective in the inspecting operation. This marking means is actuated selectively according to which of the switches 84d, 85d, or 86d is closed and is rendered active upon complete ejection of the defective workpiece. While the marking means may take various forms such as paint spraying nozzles, printing elements, etc., it is shown in the present instance as comprising a series of tools 150 (Fig. 8) which are mounted on the frame of the inspecting machine for engagement with the exterior of the workpiece in the ejected position of the latter. Herein, the tools are carried by the armatures of solenoids 151 and thus are projected against the workpiece upon energization of the solenoid coils. The latter are connected in series with the respective switches 84d, 85d, and' 86d above referred to and all are in series with a switch 152 which is closed in response to movement of a defective workpiece to Ithe ejected position shown in phantom in Fig. 3. Y Herein, the switch (see Fig. 3) is closed by a cam 153 on the ejector bar 103 when the latter. reaches the end of its stroke as determined by the length of the ejector cylinder 108.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the contour of the external surface of each of the" feelers 41 corresponds to but is somewhat smaller than the desired conmissible, the feeler and recess wall will come into contact with each other. The occurrence of such contact will be indicated by completion of the electric circuit as above described if the interfering projection on the recess wall is metallic in character. However, if the interference is Y due to adhering sand or the like, it will, in the continued advance of the feeler, .act as a cam and tilt the feeler laterally about its point of universal suspension. The resulting closure of one of the switches signals the presence of the defect.

Operation While the operation of the inspecting mechanism may be automatic, a manual control will be described. After advance of the transfer bar 18 to bring a previouslyv inspected workpiece into the boring station V14, a n'e'vjvj.` workpiece will be similarly advanced into the inspecting' station 40 and thus located nuite, accurately by the rails 42Vfand'43 and the arms 2,0 of the transfer bar with the Y recesses 2 3Y alined' vertically with the feelers 41. The operator then Vcloses a switch 113 (Fig. 8) completing af circuit for; the VsolenoidV 47' through the then closed Y Y series switches Vv84, 8511, '868, 'and 100B. The valve 48 is thusV shifted tol admit pressure fluid' to the lower end ofv Y a device operable to sense tilting movement of said feeler Y' out of said'V normal position, and aV secondy indicating means' activated' by ysaid device to indicate a tilting conthe cylinderY 46 thus, initiating upward' movement of the. Y

platen.Y Asthe platen starts Vtofrise, la switclfrllSV (Figs. 3' and' Y8') urged toward' elosed'posticn by a Spring 115." isgclosedthuspmaintaining the en ergization4 of the solenoid 47 independently of' the Switch 1.13." At 'thesame time,A aswitch 116jis opened'. Y'

no. interference is encountered by `the teelers, the

workpiece engages. the (towel pins 63 and' cornes against the'abutment's '62; without any `contact with the ieelerl Surfaces. Yand; Without'tiltinaof feder support 65.-

The casting having' been found to be sound, the platen 44? islowered by closure' of a switch 114 to energize'the.

' solenoid 49B andv thereby shift the valve 48 to open posi tion. Such lowering of the platen, may be initiated at any desired point in the cycle by closing a corresponding manually operable switch 1148.

t "if, duringraising of' the Vplaten 44 and insertion of the. feel'er 41 inthe workpiece, an obstruction or interference is encountered as evidenced. by electrical contact between one of the feelers` 41Y anda part of the wall of one of the.

Vwork 'recesses 2,3, for example, the terminal recess, a

circuit 83' will be completed for energizing the solenoid 84whicl`1resnlts in opening of the switch 84a and closure. ofjth'e switches r84th, 8,4?, and 84d. Closure of the switch $46 lights the'lamp, 93a1thns giving a visual Signal ofi-the defect and also indicating the part of,- the workpiece in which thedefect is located.

Since the solenoid 47 hasibeenV deenergized, by openingk ofrtheyswitchrta,'closure of the switch 8,4b completes a circuitfor energizing Vthe solenoid 49a to open the valve 48 and' cause immediate lowering of the platen 44`. When the latter reaches its lowerrnost position (Fig. 3), a switch 116: is closed lthereby, completing a circuit through theV switch 84h tov energize they solenoid 60 for reversing the position of the valve 5S 'thus admitting pressure fluid to the, headj ends of; the cylinder 108 and 55. The rail V42 is retracted' out ofi the way, and theyejector. bar 103. is

advanced' to push. the defective workpiece od from theV Y platen 44; When the/workpiece reaches the ejected posi-V tion shown inV phantom inFig, 3, the switch 152 is closed thereby completing a circuit through` the thenY closedv switch'd for energizingV the corresponding, solenoid 151 ofsmarkthe part of' thel casting wherethe defect exists.

'Simultaneously with the marking operation, the wind-Y ing 11T of'a time delay relay 92isfenergized by closure of,V the switch152, Then, after thelapse of a shortV adjnsta'ble interi/ah the switch 9,1 is closed by the relay thus completingra circuit for energizing the reset coil 89 of thev solenoid 8,41thereby` releasing the latch ofthe latter:

and allowing the condition ofthe switches 845,341@ 84C and'84i'toV be reversed'.v The solenoid 60 Iis thus deenergizedV and the, valve '58 is shiftedby its spring 59` to cause the ilowY o'pressu're fluid toptheactuators 54. and 108.

As a result, the ejector. and. the rail 42 are returned to' ports tnvvarclzand away, from? each other; tov insert the feeer: lnto saidrecess, andstopfthefeeler ata predeter-V- dition of said feeler, said electric circuit a-nd 'said device being'I carried'by sai'dirst support and acting concurrent: ly during insertion of said feeler` y 2. In a work inspectingv mechanism, the combination Tof,J a; support, a feeler Aprojecting from' saidr'support, a

work support adapted to 'support a workpiece with a retherein opening, toward saidrfeeler, reversible power actuated Vmeans for moving said supports toward and away from` each other to insertfthev feeler into said recess toa predetermined'depth, meansr including said feeler and/workpiece for detecting mechanical interference of Said feelerrby said, workpiece during insertion lof the by,l said-y detecting meansand operabley to disable said ac-V feeler intoy said recess, `and means responsive to the de.- tection of said interference for reversing said power actuatedY means wherebyv to separate said supports away fromVV each other. Y Y

V3. An inspecting Vmachine having, in combination, a

fratrie, a downwardly facing abutment, a platen spacedk below said abutment and mounted on said frame for up and `dowrrmovement into and` out of engagement with-V said abutment, a conveyorV for supporting openV sided. workpieces for movement one by one onto. and 0E from said. platenV when the. latter is in a normal lowered posi. tion, means for locating each workpiece in a predete-I mined position yon saidgplaten with a recess in the pieceopening upwardly, a feeler projecting downwardly trom, Said, abut-ment and adapted to enter a recess inthe VVVworkpiece on said platen yas the latter is raised, said feeler normally entering said workpiece without interference,

a power actuator for raising and lowering said platen to insert the, feeler to a predetermined depth and then with# draw the feeler from the recess, mechanism including; -said feeler and workpiece and operable `during raising of Vsaid platen to detect mechanical contact between said feeler and workpiece, and means controlled by said de tecting means and operable to disable said actuator and;

cause lowering of the platen; as soon as said interference is; detected.

Y 4; An inspecting machine having, in combination, a; frame, -a downwardly facing abutment,wa Yplaten spaced,

belowrsaid abutment and mounted onv said frame*V for up and down movement into andi out of engagementY with said abutment, a. conveyor; for; supporting. opensided wor-kpieces for movement one by one onto and oil from said platen when the latter is in a ,normal-4 lowered position,l means for locating-each. workpiece inra predetermined positionon said platen withya recess in the piece opening upwardly, la feeler'projecting downwardly from saidabutinent and adapted to enter a recess in the work-v piece on said platen as the latter is raised, said feeler normally entering said workpiece without interference, a power actuator for raising and lowering said platen to insertthe feeler toa predetermined depth in said recess and then withdraw the feeler from the recess, mechanisrnincludingv thev feel'er. and workpiece-and operable during raisingof VsaidplatentoV detect mechanical ,ContactV betweenY said feeler and workpiece, means controlled tuator and` cause lowering of the platen as soon as said interference is detected, an auxiliary work support adjacent said platen,can ejectorrmovableracros's thetop of' return; oisaid platen to-:saidrlowered positionfollowing the detection of interference between said feeler and workpiece.

5. An inspecting machine having, -in combination, a support mounted for vertical movement away from and toward a retracted position, said support being adapted to Areceive a hollow workpiece open side up, a power actuator for raising and lowering said support to and from a predetermined position, a feeler mounted above said support and adapted to normally enter the work recess to a predetermined depth without interference as the support is raised, an ejector movable across the top of said support when the latter is retracted whereby to push a workpiece oi from the support, a power operator for advancing and retracting said ejector, means including said feeler and workpiece and operable during upward movement of said support to signal engagement between said feeler and a wall of the work recess, and mechanism responsive to said signal and operable after the subsequent return of said support to said retracted position to energize said operator and eject the workpiece oif from said support.

6. An. inspecting machine having, in combination, a support for receiving -a workpiece with a recess therein opening outwardly, a second support spaced from said rst support and having an inspecting feeler projecting therefrom, means for moving said supports toward each other to enter said feeler into said recess and stop the feeler after entry thereof to a predetermined depth in said recess, means including said feeler and workpiece for detecting interference between said feeler and the workpiece during entry thereof, said last mentioned means including a solenoid having an armature and adapted when energized to indicate a defect in said workpiece, means operable upon engagement between said workpiece and said feeler to energize said solenoid, a latch for holdingV said solenoid armature in energized position, a power actuated ejector adapted when energized to move a workpiece oi from said work support, means operable upon energization of said solenoid to initiate return of said work support to retracted position, means jointly responsive to eenrgzation of said solenoid and return of said work support to said position to cause advance and retraction of said ejector and mechanism responsive to the return of said ejector to inactive position to release said latch and said solenoid armature.

7. In an inspecting machine, the combination of, a horizontal support adapted to receive workpieces advanced horizontally step by step along a predetermined path, a feeler disposed above and projecting toward said support and adapted to enter a recess in the workpiece upon movement of the feeler and support toward each other, means for relatively moving said feeler and support a predetermined distance to enter the feeler normally to a predetermined depth in said recess, .horizontally spaced rails paralleling said path and guiding the workpieces horizontally onto the support into a predetermined position to aline the work recess with said feeler, one of said rails being retractible to a position below said support, a power actuator for raising and lowering said retractible rail into and out of operative position along said support, a power actuated ejector movable forth and back across the top of said support to push a workpiece thereon laterally of said path and oif from said support when said retractible rail is in retracted position, means including said yfeeler and workpiece for detecting engagement between said feeler and a wall of said recess during entry of the feeler therein to thereby indicate a defect in said workpiece, means controlled by said detecting means upon the detection of a defect in the workpiece to reverse the movement of the workpiece and feeler and thereby return the workpiece to said path, and means responsive to such return of the workpiece to'energize said rail actuator and said work ejector to transfer the defective workpiece 0E from said support.

8. In a mechanism for inspecting an outwardly opening recess in a workpiece to sense undersize deviations in th contour of the recess wall from a predetermined desired peripheral and bottom contour, said mechanism having in combination, a support for mounting and locating a workpiece to be inspected in a predetermined position with the recess thereof exposed, a second support disposed opposite and spaced from the open end of said recess, an elongated feeler mounted cantilever fashion on said second support and projecting toward said recess for entry therein along a predetermined path, a power actuator for moving said supports toward and away from each other along said path to project said feeler endwise into said recess progressively including means for interrupting such entry at a predetermined depth, said feeler having end and peripheral surfaces of a contour correspending to but smaller than said desired contour so that in each of the positions of the Ifeeler along said path, each point on said recess wall is spaced from the opposing point on said feeler by at least a predetermined clearance when the wall is of said desired contour, and means including said feeler and workpiece for signalling the occurrence of mechanical contact between any point on said feeler surfaces and said recess wall in the course of entry of said feeler to said predetermined depth.

9. In a mechanism for inspecting an outwardly opening recess in a workpiece to sense undersize deviations in the contour of the recess wall from a predetermined desired peripheral contour, said mechanism having in combination, a support for. mounting and locating a workpiece to be inspected in a predetermined position with the recess thereof exposed, a second support disposed opposite and spaced from the open end of said recess, a feeler mounted on said second support and projecting toward said recess for entry therein along a predetermined path,

a power actuator for moving said supports relative toV each other along said path to project said feeler into said recess progressively along a predetermined path, said actuator including means for interrupting the movement after entry of the feeler to a predetermined depth in said recess, the free end portion of said feeler having an external peripheral surface of a contour corresponding to but smaller than said desired contour so that in each of the positions of the feeler along said path, each point on said recess wall is spaced from the opposing point on said feeler surface by at least a predetermined clearance when the wall is of said desired contour, means including said feeler and workpiece for signalling the occurrence of -with the recess thereof exposed, a second support disposed opposite and spaced from the open end of said recess, al1-elongated feeler mounted on said second support for entry into said recess along a predetermined path extending into said recess, a power actuator for moving said supports relative to each other along said path to enter said feeler into said recess progressively to a predetermined position, said feeler having an external conductive peripheral surface of a contour correspondingto but smaller than said desired contour whereby in all positions of the feeler, each point on said. recess wall is spaced from the opposing point on said feeler surface by at least a predetermined clearance when the wall is of said desired contour, an electric circuit extending through said feeler surface and the supported workpiece and normally opened by the clearance Abej tween the surface and said recess wall but closed by' l l contact betweenY said recess wall and any point on said feeler surface, and mechanism controlled byV said circuit and operable to interrupt ,the entryof said feeler by said'act'i'iator upon the closing of said circuit. A

` l1. In a mechanism for inspecting an outwardly open- Yir'i'g recess in a workpiece to sense undersizeV deviations in the contour of the recess wall from a predetermined desired contour, said mechanism having in combination,

af` support' for mountingY and locating a workpiece to be inspected in a predetermined' position with the recess f thereofV exposed, a second support disposed opposite and spaced from the open end of said recess, an elongated feeler projecting along a predeterminedV path extending into saidV recess, means disposed externally of the sup-y ported workpiece and coupling Vsaid feeler and said second support for universal swiveling of the feelerV laterally ofV said path, said feeler being urged toward and nor-V mall'y Vmaintained in a predetermined position Ywith the Yaxis of the feeler extending along and centered laterally of saidpath, a ,power actuatonfor moving said supports relative to each other along saidrpathfto enter fsaid feeler into said recess progressively including meansV Vfon interrupting-such Yentry with-the feeler in a predetermined position,'said feeler having an vexternal peripheral surface of a-contourcorresponding lto but smaller than said determined desired contour, said'V mechanismfhavillg incombination, a support for mounting and locatingawork-V` pieegto lbe inspected, in a predetermined ,positionV with the recessthereof exposed, ajsecond support disposed op.,`

posite and spaced from the openeiid of'said recess, van

elongated feeler projecting valong a predetermined path extending into said recess, meansv on said second-support f disposed externally ofthe supported workpiece and mounting said feeler cantilever fashiony for endwise movement along said path and also foruniversal Vswiveling laterally of said'path, said feeler being urged endWise-'and norspaced from the opposing point 'on said eeler Vsurfaceby desired contourV whereby in all positions of the feeler,

each ,point on said recess wall `is spaced from Vthe opposing( point on said eeler surfaceby at least a predetermined clearance when the wall is of said desired contour, Vmeans 'including said feel'er and Yits support for sensing'tilting of said feeler outv of said centered position by inter'engagement of said feeler surface and the re cess wall, and mechanism controlled by said sensing means and'operable to interrupt the entry of said feeler by *said actuator upon tilting of the feeler out of said centered position.

' 12. In a mechanism for inspecting an outwardly 'opening recess in a metallic workpiece to sense undersize deviations Vin the contour of the recess wall fromV a predetermined desired peripheral contour, said mechanism having in combination, a support for mounting and locating a workpiece to be inspected in a predetermined position with the recess thereof exposed, a second support disposed opposite and spaced from the open end ofV said Y recess,'an elongated feeler projecting toward said recess for entry therein, means on Vsaid second support disposed externally of the supported workpiece and including a coupling mounting said feeler Vcantilever fashion for universal swiveling laterallyV of a predetermined path, said Vfeeler' being urged laterally and normally mainmally maintained in a .predetermined centered position' along said path, a power actuator for moving said supports toward and away from each other alongsaid path to enter saidv feeler into said recess progressively includ-` ing means to normally 'interrupt such entry when the feeler reaches a ,predetermined depth, said feeler having an external conductive surface of a contour corresponding to but smaller than said desired contour whereby in allpositions of the feeler, each'poin't on Ysaid recess wall is at least a predermined Vclearancewhenthe :wall lisof said desired contour, v,an electric circuit extendingthrough and including the opposed surfaces ofsaid feeler and the supported workpiece and normally opened by the clearance between the surface and said recess wall, means for sensing tiltingorfendwise movement of V*said feeler out Aof said centered position by engagement of said feeler surface l'and the recess wall, and mechanism controlled by said circuit and said sensing means and operable to interrupt the entry of said feeler by said actuator either upon the closing of said circuit or upon movementv of the feeler out of said centered position.

tained in a predetermined centered position along said predetermined path, a power actuatorl for moving said supportsrelative to each other along said path to enter said feeler into said Vrecess progressively including means to normally Vinterrupt suchV entry'with said feeler in a predetermined position, said feeler having an external peripheral conductive surface of a contour correspond-V ing to but smaller thanysaid desired contour whereby 1inY all positions of the feeler, Veach point on said recess wall is spaced from theV opposing point on'said feelerAV surface by at least a predetermined clearance whenVV the wall is of said desired contour, an electric circuit extending through and including the opposed vsurfaces of said feeler and the supported workpiece and normally opened by the rclearance between the surface andsaid recess'wall, means for sensing'Y tilting of said feeler out of said centeredY positicnrby engagement of said feeler surface and the recess wall, and mechanism controlled by said circuit and said sensing means and operable to immediately interrupt the entry of said feeler by said actuator either upon the closing ofsaidcircuit or upon movement of the feeler out of said centered position.

13. In a mechanism for inspecting an outwardly openingirecess inY a metallic workpiece to sense undersize deviations in the contour of the recessV wall from a pre- 14. In a mechanism for inspecting an outwardly, opening recess in a workpiece to 'sense'devations in the'contour of the recess 'wall from a predetermined desired contour, saidmechanism having in combination, a support for mounting and locating a workpiece to be inspected with the recess thereof exposed, a second supportrdisposed opposite and spaced from the Vvopen'end ofY said recess, an elongated' feeler projecting along apredetermined path extending into `said recess, means on said second support disposedV externally of they supported workpieceand including a coupling mounting said Vfeeler for universal swiveling in anyV direction laterally-of saidA path and alsofor ,axial movement way from and toward a predetermined position along the path, said feeler being urged toward and normally maintainedV in said predetermined positonwith'the axis of thefeeler extending along and centered laterally of said'pa'th, a power actuator for moving said'sup'po'rts relative to each other along said path to enter said feelerinto said recess progressively and including meanspfor normally interruption such entry when the feeler reaches a predetermined depth, means for sensing axial movement of said feeler awayfrorn said predetermined position or tilting `of the feeler axis out of A its Vcentered position: by engagement of. the feeler with an interference within said recess, mechanism control ed by said sensing means and operable to interrupt theentry of said feeler byV said actuator upon engagement with such interference. f

References Cited in the iileof this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

